Buffalo City TVET College

Eastern Cape's Premier Technical and Vocational Education Institution - Building Skills for Economic Growth

#BCC #TVET #SkillsDevelopment
2026 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
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2026 Application Information

IMPORTANT: Application deadlines vary by programme. Some technical programmes have limited spaces available.

Applications Open

01 May 2025

Applications Close

30 September 2025 (Most programmes)

Early: 31 August 2025 (Engineering programmes)

Time Remaining

Calculating...

Intake Periods

January & July 2026

IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES

Limited Spaces: Engineering and technical programmes have limited capacity - apply early!

Documentation: Certified copies of ID, latest academic results, and proof of address required.

About Buffalo City TVET College

Buffalo City TVET College was established following the merger of three leading technical education institutions in the Greater East London region. This strategic consolidation created Eastern Cape's premier vocational training institution, dedicated to providing quality technical and vocational education that meets both industry needs and student aspirations.

College Background & Development

Strategic Merger

Formed through the integration of East London College (including St Marks Campus), Border Technical College, and John Knox Bokwe Careers College in Mdantsane.

Optimized Campus Structure

Business Studies programmes consolidated at East London Campus, while Engineering programmes were centralized at St Marks Campus for enhanced specialisation.

Quality Vocational Education

Committed to delivering programmes that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for immediate employment or further academic pursuits.

Standards & Governance

Maintains the highest standards of educational quality, regulatory compliance, and institutional governance across all operations.

Buffalo City College Campuses

Business Focus

East London Campus

Location: Corner Lukin Road & King Street, East London

Programmes: Business Studies, Office Administration, Tourism, IT

Contact: 043 8800 177 | [email protected]

Engineering

Saint Marks Campus

Location: St Marks Street, Southernwood, East London

Programmes: Engineering & Related Design, Electrical, Civil Engineering

Contact: 043 8800 177 | [email protected]

Business & Engineering

John Knox Bokwe Campus

Location: Mfaxa Street, NU1 Mdantsane, East London

Programmes: Business Studies, Engineering, Safety in Society

Contact: 043 8800 177 | [email protected]

Skills Development

King Street Campus

Location: 17 King Street, Southernwood, East London

Programmes: Apprenticeships, Learnerships, Skills Programmes

Contact: 043 8800 177 | [email protected]

Administration

Administration Centre

Location: 43 King Street, Southernwood, East London

Services: College administration, marketing, central services

Contact: 043 8800 177 | [email protected]

Online Application Process for 2026

Follow these steps to apply for studies at Buffalo City TVET College in 2026:

Step 1: Access Application Portal

Visit the official Buffalo City College Online Application Portal at bccollege.co.za/online-application.

Step 2: Campus Application Support

Alternatively, visit any campus location to schedule an online application session with assistance from college staff.

Step 3: Financial Aid Application

Apply for NSFAS funding or explore other available bursary opportunities for financial assistance.

Step 4: Student i-Enabler Access

Use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to complete your application through the Student i-Enabler system using your PIN and student number.

Step 5: Programme Selection

Apply for admission to both your current qualification level and the next academic level you wish to pursue.

Step 6: Document Submission & Fees

Upload all required supporting documents and complete any necessary fee payments as part of the application process.

Application Device Compatibility

The online application system is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and computers, ensuring accessibility for all applicants regardless of device availability.

Programmes & Qualifications

PROGRAMME OPTIONS:

Buffalo City TVET College offers three main types of qualifications: NCV (National Certificate Vocational), Report 191 Programmes, and Skills Development Programmes. Each serves different educational pathways and career objectives.

East London Campus Programmes

School of Business - NCV Programmes:

Education & Development

NCV

Finance, Economics & Accounting

NCV

Information Technology

NCV

Mechatronics

NCV

Office Administration

NCV

Tourism

NCV

John Knox Bokwe Campus Programmes

School of Engineering - NCV Programmes:

Civil Engineering & Building Construction

NCV

Electrical Infrastructure Construction

NCV

Engineering & Related Design

NCV

Safety in Society

NCV

King Street Campus Skills Programmes

Apprenticeships, Learnerships & Skills Programmes:

Available Skills Programmes Include:

Automotive Repair Fitting & Turning Motor Mechanic Wholesale & Retail Water Treatment End User Computing Security Practice Sports Coaching Accounting Technician Furniture Making Early Childhood Development Electrical

Note: Skills programmes availability may vary based on SETA partnerships and industry demand.

NSFAS & Financial Support

Buffalo City TVET College participates in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), providing financial assistance to eligible students. The college also offers information on other available bursary opportunities.

NSFAS Funding Coverage

Coverage Area Details Eligibility Requirements
Tuition Fees Full coverage of approved programme fees South African citizens, household income ≤ R350,000
Accommodation Allowance for approved accommodation Must be residing away from home
Learning Materials Allowance for textbooks and study materials Registered for NSFAS-approved programme
Transport Transport allowance for commuting students Must be residing at home
Meals Monthly meal allowance All NSFAS qualifying students

NSFAS APPLICATION IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Apply directly through the NSFAS website or at the college Financial Aid Office
  • Application opening and closing dates are determined by NSFAS - apply early!
  • Required documents: Certified ID, proof of income, parent/guardian ID if dependent
  • Applications are processed by NSFAS, not the college

Additional Bursary Opportunities

Beyond NSFAS, Buffalo City TVET College provides information on various SETA and industry bursaries. Visit the college Financial Aid Office or check the college website regularly for updated bursary opportunities throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to Buffalo City TVET College?

Visit the official college website at www.bccollege.co.za, click on the Online Applications tab, and follow the provided instructions. Alternatively, visit any campus for in-person application assistance.

How can I access the student portal?

Click on the Student Portal tab on the college website and log in using your Student Number and PIN. If you have forgotten your login credentials, please contact or visit your nearest campus for assistance in recovering your account details.

Does the college support students with disabilities?

Yes. Inclusivity is a core value at Buffalo City TVET College. The institution is committed to ensuring equal access to educational services, facilities, and opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. Support services and accommodations are available.

What is the difference between NCV and Report 191 programmes?

NCV (National Certificate Vocational) programmes are vocational qualifications at NQF Levels 2-4, typically taking 3 years. Report 191 programmes are traditional technical college qualifications (N1-N6) that can lead to diploma equivalence. NCV focuses on vocational skills while Report 191 emphasizes technical theory with workplace experience.

Are there accommodation facilities at the college?

Buffalo City TVET College provides limited accommodation facilities. Students are encouraged to apply early for residence placement. Alternatively, the college can provide information about approved private accommodation options near campus locations.

What career support does the college offer?

The college offers career guidance, workplace experience opportunities through learnerships and apprenticeships, and industry partnerships that facilitate graduate placement. Regular career fairs and employer engagement sessions are also organized.

Can I transfer from another college to Buffalo City TVET?

Yes, subject to space availability in the desired programme and submission of required transfer documentation including academic records from your previous institution. Transfer applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Buffalo City TVET College

General Enquiries

Central Number: 043 8800 177

Email: [email protected]

This number connects to all campuses

Main Administration

Address: 43 King Street, Southernwood, East London, 5201

Postal: Private Bag X9016, East London, 5201

Email: [email protected]

Online Resources

Website: www.bccollege.co.za

Applications: Online Application Portal

Student Portal: Available via college website

Operating Hours

Administrative Offices: Monday - Friday, 07:30 - 16:00

Academic Offices: Hours may vary during registration and examination periods

Online Applications: Available 24/7 during application periods